The online nursing programs cataloged below provide a thoughtful review of options for deciding on a graduate nursing program leading to a Master of Science in Nursing. This article focuses on faculty-to-student ratio. Enhanced learning opportunities can transpire when teachers interact frequently with students.

Numerous faculty and students turn to the US News & World Report on the “Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs” to review aspects of the various programs. The US News & World Report used a ranking approach based on features related to student immersion into learning, faculty qualifications, student support with equipment and tools, status with peers and admissions decisions. Jelinek’s (2014) ranking of schools used costs of tuition to list the least expensive schools.

Prospective students need to take into consideration multiple factors when choosing a Master’s of Science Program. The ratio of student to teacher represents another key factor in selecting a program that might reduce drop-out rates and boost the number of graduating students (Kirp, 2008).

Methodology for ranking the schools by faculty support used the number of students enrolled divided by the number of faculty. To take into account factors from the US News & World Report, the overall score from the US News report was multiplied by the ratio number. The lowest numbers indicate the highest faculty to student support.

The ranking of nursing schools presents a review of pertinent information for individuals searching for a Master of Science in Nursing program. After reviewing ranking information, the student-to-be can drill down to master’s programs of interest.

The summary below ranks best ratio of faculty to students first. The lower numbers on faculty support indicate higher support to students.

#1 University of Massachusetts-Amherst, MA

Clinical Nurse Leader Master of Science Online

The University of Massachusetts-Amherst, a public institution, offers one masters level program, Clinical Nurse Leader Master of Science. The program is rated first in our ratio of students to teachers. The program prepares nurses in health promotion, risk moderating, illness prevention, and disorder management services to individuals and populations. This online program provides 24/7 live tech support.

Number of Students Accepted: 40Graduation Rate: 95%Recognition: #3 by U.S. NewsTuition: $750 per credit hourFaculty Support: 9.7

#2 Medical University of South Carolina, SC

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Program – Online

The Medical University of South Carolina, a public Institution, offers two master level programs, the adult/gerontology acute care nurse practitioner or the family nurse practitioner. Both programs provide a conceptual basis for advance nursing practice, professional role differentiation and research skills. The College of Nursing is home to the Alpha Xi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau.

Number of New Students Accepted: 199Graduation Rate: 77%Recognition: #2 by U.S. NewsTuition: $884 per credit hour in-state; $1,061 per credit hour out-of-stateFaculty Support: 14.8

#3 Florida State University, FL

Online Master of Science in Nursing

The Florida State University, a public institution, offers a Master of Science in Nursing in either the Nurse Educator or the Nurse Leader track. Ninety percent of the students work full or part-time while attending classes on-line in the College of Nursing. Their number one priority is nursing evidence-based practice and research.

Number of New Students Accepted: 27Graduation Rate: 30%Recognition: #10 by U.S. NewsTuition: $480 per credit hour in-state; $1,111 per credit hour out-of-stateFaculty Support: 18.4

#4 University of Michigan – Flint, MI

Online Master of Science in Nursing

The University of Michigan – Flint, a public institution, presents a Master of Science in Nursing degree leading to a role as a Family Nurse Practitioner. All classes are recorded and archived so that the student has full access at all times. The School of Nursing campus sits in a revitalized urban setting along a river front.

Number of New Students Accepted: 16Graduation Rate: Data Not AvailableRecognition: #24 by U.S. NewsTuition: $499 per credit hour in-state; $748 per credit hour out-of-stateFaculty Support: 29.6

#5 Duquesne University, PA

Online Master of Science in Nursing

Duquesne University, a private Catholic university, offers a Master of Science in Nursing with three levels of specialization that include: Family Nurse Practitioner, Forensic Nurse and Nursing Education. The School of Nursing received the Outstanding Achievements in Student Learning and Professional Development for 2008-2015 from the NLN Center of Excellence in Nursing Education. The School also hosts the Alpha Tau Delta Sigma Theta Tau International Nursing honor society.

Number of New Students Accepted: 136Graduation Rate: 58%Recognition: #6 by U.S. NewsTuition: $1036 per credit hourFaculty Support: 31.4

#6 University of Nevada-Las Vegas, NV

Online Master of Science in Nursing

The University of Nevada-Las Vegas, a public institution, offers a Master of Science in Nursing with three areas of specialty that encompass Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Educator, and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. The School of Nursing utilizes an exceptional trimester system that allows students to finish the program in 16 months.

Number of New Students Accepted: 74Graduation Rate: 100%Recognition: #10 by U.S. NewsTuition: $524 per credit hour in-state; $1183 per credit hour out-of-stateFaculty Support: 35.8

#7 University of Alabama-Huntsville, AL

Online Master of Science in Nursing

The University of Alabama-Huntsville, a public institution, contains the Capstone College of Nursing that encompasses four programs for the Master of Science in Nursing, Case Management, Clinical Nurse Leader, Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator. The Capstone College of Nursing promotes life-long learning for a rapidly changing health care system.

Number of New Students Accepted: 21Graduation Rate: 86%Recognition: #6 by U.S. NewsTuition: $636 per credit hourFaculty Support: 42.1

#8 George Washington University, DC

Online MSN

The George Washington University, a private institution, comprises a Master of Science in Nursing in five areas of specialization, Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse, Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Health Care Quality, Nursing Leadership and Management and Nurse-Midwifery. The School of Nursing graduate programs and faculty excel in research and health policy endeavors. The School of Nursing is home to Phi Epsilon chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International.

Number of New Students Accepted: 326Graduation Rate: 66%Recognition: #4 by U.S. NewsTuition: $835 per credit hourFaculty Support: 43.1

#9 University of South Carolina, SC

Online Master of Science in Nursing

The University of South Carolina, a public university, offer two tracks in the Master of Science in Nursing that entail either the adult gerontology acute care practitioner or the primary care family nurse practitioner. The College of Nursing uses the Blackboard course management system for online learning.

Number of New Students Accepted: 171Graduation Rate: 85%Recognition: #16 by U.S. NewsTuition: $485 per credit hour in-state; $1040 per credit hour out-of-stateFaculty Support: 65.7

#10 University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston. TX

Online MSN

The University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston, a public university, offers a Master of Science in Nursing with six tracks consisting of Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Leader, Executive Nurse Leader and Nurse Educator. The School of Nursing is home to Alpha Delta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International. A unique feature of the School is that it receives funding to carry out research in its Sealy Center for Aging.

Number of New Students Accepted: 392Graduation Rate: 95%Recognition: #10 by U.S. NewsTuition: $285 per credit hour in-state; $639 per credit hour out-of-stateFaculty Support: 71.7

#11 University of Kansas, KS

Master of Science in Nursing Online

The University of Kansas, a public university, offers a Master of Science in Nursing within four areas of specializations that include: Clinical Research Management, Nursing Informatics, Organizational Leadership and Public Health Nursing. The School of Nursing ranked number 21 for receiving funds from the National Institutes of Health. The nursing program is also home to the American Nurses Association’s National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators.

Number of New Students Accepted: 101Graduation Rate: 50%Recognition: #24 by U.S. NewsTuition: $344 per credit hourFaculty Support: 75.0

#12 University of Texas-Tyler, TX

Online Master of Science in Nursing (MSN)

The University of Texas-Tyler, a public institution, offers a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) with subspecialties of Nursing Education, Family Nurse Practitioner and Nursing Administration with an option for an MSN-MBA degree. The School of Nursing also houses the health and kinesiology program that provides exercise related education. This program provides other opportunities for the masters level students.

Number of New Students Accepted: 110Graduation Rate: 65%Recognition: #16 by U.S. NewsTuition: $50 per credit hour in-state; $401 per credit hour out-of-stateFaculty Support: 86.6

#13 Johns Hopkins University, MD

Master of Science in Nursing Degree Online

The Johns Hopkins University, a private university, provides a variety of options for the online Master of Science in Nursing Degree. The Clinical Nurse Specialist option offers subspecialties of Adult/Gerontological Health, Adult/Gerontological Critical Care, Pediatric Health and Pediatric Critical Care. The Health Systems Management option offers a double subspecialty with the Clinical Nurse Specialist option. The Johns Hopkins School of Nursing resides alongside of the School of Medicine, the Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Johns Hopkins Hospital. The location gives students addition opportunities for training.

Number of New Students Accepted: 92Graduation Rate: Data Not AvailableRecognition: #24 by U.S. NewsTuition: $1416 per credit hourFaculty Support: 89.7

#14 University of North Carolina-Greensboro, NC

Online Masters of Science in Nursing

The University of North Carolina-Greensboro, a public institution, offers the Masters of Science in Nursing. The master’s program encompasses four subspecialties of Nursing Administration, Nurse Anesthetists, Nursing Education and Adult/Gerontological Nurse Practitioner. The University of North Carolina-Greensboro is one of two schools of nursing in the US to be designated a Center of Excellence by the National League of Nursing. This designation lets prospective students know the school is high caliber in education.

Number of New Students Accepted: 30Graduation Rate: 90%Recognition: #45 by U.S. NewsTuition: $200 per credit hour in-state; $900 per credit hour out-of-stateFaculty Support: 90.0

#15 East Carolina University, NC

Online Master of Science in Nursing

The East Carolina University, a public university, offers a number of options for the online Master of Science in Nursing. The areas of concentration include the Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, the Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Health, the Family Nurse Practitioner, the Neonatal Nurse Practitioners, Nurse Midwifery, Nursing Education and Nursing Leadership. The online programs allow students to access the homework site 24 hours a day/7 days a week to accommodate working students. The School of Nursing believes in supporting the students who work and attend school.

Number of New Students Accepted: 622Graduation Rate: 57%Recognition: #45 by U.S. NewsTuition: $307 per credit hour in-state; $911 per credit hour out-of-stateFaculty Support: 98.3

#16 Lamar University, TX

Online Master of Science in Nursing

Lamar University, a private institution, offers a Master of Science in Nursing with two areas of specialization, Nursing Administration and Nursing Education. The Dishman Department of Nursing’s online program is designed to meet the active schedules and commitments of adult learners in the working world. Lamar University provides a Center for Military Services that assists and advises these active duty and veterans into nursing programs and other degrees.

Number of New Students Accepted: 66Graduation Rate: 99%Recognition: #19 by U.S. NewsTuition: $250 per credit hour in-state; $292 per credit hour out-of-stateFaculty Support: 114.0

#17 California State University-Chico, CA

Online Master of Science in Nursing Education

Online Master of Science in Nursing Leadership

The California State University-Chico, a state university, offers a Master of Science degree in either Nursing Education or Nursing Leadership. The School has an outstanding record of collaboration with community and regional partners in education and business. The online classes help to meet the needs of working nurses in rural setting. The School of Nursing is home to Kappa Omicron Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International.

Number of New Students Accepted: 10Graduation Rate: 50%Recognition: #81 by U.S. NewsTuition: $815 per credit hourFaculty Support: 115.7

#18 University of Delaware, DE

Master of Science in Nursing Online

The University of Delaware, a public institution, bestows an online Master of Science in Nursing with specialization in Adult Gerontology Health Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nursing of Children Clinical Nurse Specialist and Health Service Administration. The School of Nursing Faculty obtained funding from NIH aimed at supporting elderly adults distressed by cancer. Beta Xi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International resides under the School of Nursing.

Number of New Students Accepted: 87Graduation Rate: 17%Recognition: #19 by U.S. NewsTuition: $710 per credit hourFaculty Support: 130.6

#19 Loyola University New Orleans, LA

Online Master of Science in Nursing – Healthcare Systems Management

The Loyola University New Orleans, a private Jesuit university, offers a Master of Science in Nursing with a specialization in Health Care Systems Management. The accommodating online course format provides access 24/7 to online sources and the program of study requires no campus visits. The Blackboard technology used for the online format mirrors the in class discussions at the School of Nursing.

Number of New Students Accepted: 490Graduation Rate: 70%Recognition: #6 by U.S. NewsTuition: $818 per credit hourFaculty Support: 142.5

#20 Ohio State University, OH

Online Master of Science in Nursing

The Ohio State University, a public institution, offers a Master of Science in Nursing with five different specialties including Nursing Science, Clinical Nurse Leader, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, and Nursing and Health System Management. The Nurse Practitioner specialty further has subspecialties of Adult Acute-Care Nurse Practitioner, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Acute-Care Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. The Epsilon Chapter of the Ohio State University Nursing School became the fourth chapter in 1932 to part of Sigma Theta Tau.

Number of New Students Accepted: 61Graduation Rate: Data not availableRecognition: #32 by U.S. NewsTuition: $935 per credit hour in-state; $2039 per credit hour out-of-stateFaculty Support: 143.1

#21 Union University, TN

Master of Science in Nursing Online

Union University, a private Christian university, provides a Master of Science in Nursing with specializations in Nursing Education, Nursing Administration and Nurse Practitioner. The Nurse Practitioner track further breaks down into sub-specialties of Family Nurse Practitioner, Adult/Geriatric Nurse Practitioner and Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. The faculty members possess a long list of publications in peer reviewed journals indicating their scholarly abilities. The curriculum at this school helps students employ theories relevant to nursing practice, but also incorporates beliefs of spiritual care and bio-ethics into the nursing role.

Number of New Students Accepted: 30Graduation Rate: 98%Recognition: #56 by U.S. NewsTuition: $545 per credit hourFaculty Support: 144.1

#22 Delta State University, MS

Online Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Administrator

Online Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Educator

Online Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner

The Delta State University, a public institution, offers a Master of Science in Nursing with focuses of a Nursing Administrator, a Nursing Educator or a Nurse Practitioner. The Nurse Practitioner concentration provides additional options of Family Nurse Practitioner, Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practice for the Adult or Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practice for the Family. The School of Nursing uses multiple online education tools including: ATI Education as their e-learner provider, Blackboard, Evolve Learning Center and Pepid Online, to name a few.

Number of New Students Accepted: 34Graduation Rate: Data Not AvailableRecognition: #41 by U.S. NewsTuition: $334 per credit hourFaculty Support: 144.3

#23 Texas Christian University, TX

Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) Online

The Texas Christian University, a private Christian University, bestows a Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) degree with three main specialties of Clinical Nurse Specialist, Clinical Nurse Leader and Nursing Education. The Clinical Nurse Specialist major breaks down into two further focuses of Adult/Gerontology Nursing or Pediatric Nursing. The Harris College of Nursing and Health Sciences embrace the values of selflessness, independence, human self-respect, veracity and social fairness.

Number of New Students Accepted: 86Graduation Rate: 100%Recognition: #23 by U.S. NewsTuition: $1270 per credit hourFaculty Support: 144.9

#24 Arizona State University, AZ

Online Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Research Management

Arizona State University, a public institution, offers a Master of Science (MS) in Clinical Research Management. The College of Nursing and Health Innovations provide this MS degree to appeal to nurses and other health care professionals nationally and globally who are interested in a career in clinical research. Research opportunities are available in the clinical research industry involved in therapeutic drug, biologicals or device invention. The program combines innovation and entrepreneurship.

Number of New Students Accepted: 15Graduation Rate: 66%Recognition: #52 by U.S. NewsTuition: $736 per credit hour in-state; $1054 per credit hour out-of-stateFaculty Support: 146.3

#25 Georgia Regents University, GA

Online Master of Science – Family Nurse Practitioner

The Georgia Regents University, a public institution, offers a Master of Science with a specialization as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Georgia Regents University also offers a Master of Science in Medical Illustration and a Master of Public Health in Health Informatics. These provide the student with additional opportunities. The College of Nursing is home to Beta Omicron Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International.

Number of New Students Accepted: 152Graduation Rate: 96%Recognition: #75 by U.S. NewsTuition: $379 per credit hour in-state; $1094 per credit hour out-of-stateFaculty Support: 157.0

#26 University of Missouri-Kansas City, MO

Online Master of Science of Nursing

The University of Missouri-Kansas City, a public institution, provides a Master of Science of Nursing with three online tracks of Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Neonatal Nurse Practitioner and Nurse Educator. The School of Nursing created distinct and virtual learning communities for quality learning by their students. Affiliated clinical facilities comprise Truman Medical Center, Children’s Mercy Hospital and nearly 100 community wide facilities in the Kansas City area.

Number of New Students Accepted: 390Graduation Rate: 94%Recognition: #10 by U.S. NewsTuition: $338 per credit hourFaculty Support: 160.5

#27 Stony Brook University-SUNY, NY

Online Master of Science in Nursing – Clinical Leadership

Online Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner

The Stony Brook University-SUNY, a public institution, offers a Master of Science in Nursing in areas of concentration including Clinical Leadership and Nurse Practitioner. The Nurse Practitioner track offers five sub-specialties of Adult Health, Perinatal/Women’s Health, Neonatal Health, Pediatrics and Psychiatric/Mental Health. The faculty publishes on diverse areas of research from coping skills to end of life/palliative care. The poignant values held by the School of Nursing include integrity, respect, excellence, accountability, creativity and honesty.

Number of New Students Accepted: 493Graduation Rate: 63%Recognition: #16 by U.S. NewsTuition: $411 per credit hour in-state; $765 per credit hour out-of-stateFaculty Support: 169.1

#28 George Mason University, VA

Online Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Educator

Online Master of Science in Nursing – Nurse Practitioner

Online Master of Science in Nursing – Nursing Administration

George Mason University, a private university, prepares students to receive a Master of Science in Nursing in three areas of concentration, nurse educator, nurse practitioners and nursing administration. The Nurse Practitioner program further offers two sub-specialties of Adult-gerontology Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care and the Family Nurse Practitioner in Primary Care. Since the school is located close to Washington, DC, it has a very active program on healthcare policy. The Centers on Health Informatics and Chronic Disease provide other sources of rich learning.

Number of New Students Accepted: 64Graduation Rate: Data not availableRecognition: #48 by U.S. NewsTuition: $567 per credit hour in-state; $1250 per credit hour out-of-stateFaculty Support: 174.3

#29 Old Dominion University, VA

Online Master of Science in Nursing

The Old Dominion University, a private institution, offers the Master of Science in Nursing with seven areas of specialization that include Adult-Gerontology CNS/Educator, Family Nurse Practitioner, Nurse Anesthesia, Nurse Educator, Nurse Administrator, Nurse Midwifery and Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner. Students take courses by a variety of methods including web-based online, TELETECHNET or Video Streaming. The School of Nursing hosts the Epsilon Chi Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International.

Number of New Students Accepted: 143Graduation Rate: 84%Recognition: #24 by U.S. NewsTuition: $412 per credit hour in-state; $1048 per credit hour out-of-stateFaculty Support: 191.4

#30 Graceland University, MO

Online MSN

The Graceland University, a private institution, offers a Master of Science in Nursing degree with a focus in either Family Nurse Practitioner or Nurse Educator. The School of Nursing uses an online system called eCollege Learning Management System that is divided up in a 16-week trimester. The time will vary though depending on the student attending part-time or full-time. All campus housing and public buildings are completely wired with internet, cable TV hookups and wireless.

Number of New Students Accepted: 390Graduation Rate: 82%Recognition: #10 by U.S. NewsTuition: $650 per credit hourFaculty Support: 198.9

Sharon possesses a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Nursing as well as a Doctoral degree in Public Health. She enjoyed eight years as a bedside nurse, 12 years as an advanced practice nurse, 16 years in healthcare quality assurance, four years in the medical-legal field, 12 years in medical research, four years teaching college level courses, four years in patient safety at a military medical facility and seven years as a freelance writer.